20 Ways to Say “I’m Busy”

20 Ways to Say “I’m Busy”

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we will look at 20 ways to say “I’m busy”.

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I’m tied up

The expression typically means that you are occupied with a task or situation, which makes you unavailable to commit to anything else.

I can’t take your call right now; I’m tied up with some urgent tasks.

I’m occupied  

The phrase generally means that you are engaged with something and unable to attend to other matters.

Sorry, I can’t join you for lunch; I’m occupied with a deadline. Ways to say “I’m busy”

I have a lot going on  

The phrase means that you are dealing with too many responsibilities, which may make you feel overwhelmed. For example, you might say, “I can’t attend the event because I have a lot going on this week,” indicating that you have other commitments that require your attention.

I’d love to help, but I have a lot going on this week.

I’m swamped

The expression “I’m swamped” is an informal way of saying that you are extremely busy. It conveys a sense of being buried under a lot of work, similar to how a swamp is full of water and difficult to navigate.

I can’t meet today; I’m swamped with work. Ways to say “I’m busy”

I’m hustling

The phrase means that you are working hard to achieve your goals, usually in a fast-paced or determined way. It can carry a connotation of being resourceful or finding ways to get things done, even when faced with challenges.

I can’t come over right now; I’m hustling to finish my project.

I’m preoccupied

This means that you are distracted or absorbed by thoughts or concerns, which makes it difficult for you to focus on other things.

I’d like to chat, but I’m preoccupied with my studies right now. Ways to say “I’m busy”

I’m wrapped up in something  

The phrase means that you are deeply involved or preoccupied with a particular activity or emotion. Essentially, it suggests that the person is so engaged that they may not be fully aware of what is going on around them.

I can’t talk at the moment; I’m wrapped up in something important.

I’m engaged elsewhere

You can use this phrase to say that you are involved in another activity that prevents you from taking part in another one. You can use it in professional settings, such as when you are unable to attend a meeting or conference call because you have another obligation at the same time.

I can’t make it to the meeting; I’m engaged elsewhere.

I’m in the middle of a project  

You can use this phrase in different situations, for example, when in a meeting or conversation about tasks, mentioning that you’re in the middle of a project can help highlight what you’re currently focused on.

I wish I could attend, but I’m in the middle of a project. Ways to say “I’m busy”

I’m busy with my responsibilities

You can use the phrase when someone invites you to an event or activity, and you cannot attend because you have other commitments. When someone asks for your help or wants to spend time with you, and you need to focus on your own tasks; this phrase can help you explain that you are currently occupied.

I appreciate the offer, but I’m busy with my responsibilities right now.

I’m juggling multiple tasks

The expression is useful, for example, when you are explaining your current workload to a colleague or supervisor or when you need to set boundaries and say that you are too busy to take on more work.

I appreciate the offer, but I’m juggling multiple tasks and can’t take on more at the moment. Ways to say “I’m busy”

I’m in back-to-back meetings  

You can use the phrase when you want to say that you have multiple meetings scheduled one after another, leaving little to no time in between.

I won’t be able to review the report today; I’m in back-to-back meetings.

I’m working on something important

The phrase means that you are engaged in a task or project that you consider important or your number one priority.

Thanks for the invite, but I’m working on something important.

I have my hands full

This expression is useful when you want to say that you are very busy with some other responsibilities or tasks.

These days, I have my hands full with work and family responsibilities. Ways to say “I’m busy”

I’m currently unavailable

This is an idiomatic expression. It can be used in both professional and personal contexts to politely say that you are occupied with something else.

I’m sorry, but I’m currently unavailable for a chat. Please, leave a message.

I can’t spare the time right now

You can use this phrase when you want to say that you have too many responsibilities or commitments.

I really can’t spare the time right now; I have too much to do.

I’m overloaded with work 

You can use the phrase when discussing your current workload or explaining how busy you are with friends, family or colleagues.

I’d love to join, but I’m overloaded with work at the moment. Ways to say “I’m busy”

I’m busy with other commitments

If someone is trying to contact you or expecting a quick response, you can use this phrase to let them know why there might be a delay.

Thanks for asking, but I’m busy with other commitments tonight.

I’m engrossed in my tasks

When someone asks for your help or wants to spend time with you, and you need to focus on your own tasks, this phrase can help you say politely that you are currently occupied.

I’d love to catch up later, but I’m engrossed in my tasks right now.

I’m committed to some ongoing projects

If someone is inquiring about your availability, this phrase can explain why you might not be able to meet or engage in other activities right now.

I wish I could help, but I’m committed to some ongoing projects. Ways to say “I’m busy”

Ways to say “I’m busy”

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